Thursday, October 16, 2008

We have heard quite a bit about ACORN the last couple of days, and none of it has been good. In fact, the GOP has started an intense campaign to somehow shut them down and that this group is somehow trying to steal the election.

That is quite the charge, especially when there really isn't enough evidence to back it up. Well apparently in Florida, some people wrote on voter registration cards silly things like Mickey Mouse, etc. The McCain campaign is basically saying that this is the Obama campaign's attempt to steal the election with its pal ACORN.

The TRUTH...

First, Obama has NOTHING to do with the everyday operations of ACORN.

He worked with ACORN about four years ago in a motor registration drive so people could vote at the DMV.

ACORN stands for the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now.

ACORN has uncovered hundreds of election defects in many states.

ACORN hires volunteers to register people in all 49 states.

ACORN, by law must turn in all of their voter registration cards, yes, even the bad ones.

ACORN sorts all of their cards: the good ones (these are decided after a phone call is made to verify the registrant), incomplete, (if they call and that person is not at home), suspicious (the cards that may read Mickey Mouse, etc,).

So, you decide for yourself. It is very easy to find information on anybody, any group, especially non-for-profits and political affiliates. If nothing else, my advice to the GOP is to do your research!

In light of the recent hate parade that seems to have taken over the McCain/Palin campaigns, it appears that was just the start.

First up - a food stamp sent out by Inland Republicans with a picture of Barack Obama with a bucket of fried chicken, watermelon, kool-aid and just everything else you would expect from a racist. This is unbelievable, not to mention, highly offensive.

Second - a GOP flyer depicting Obama as a terrorist! It's one thing for Palin to bring up his so-called "palling around with terrorist," at one of her segregationist rallies, but then for the campaign to take it further by calling him one as well, then advertising it on a flyer is downright wrong as two left shoes.

Finally, and this may be the most despicable.The McCain campaign has started what is called as robocalls. These solicited calls are from candidates to get you to vote for them. Here is the script from McCain's calls.

"Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC," before telling recipients that they "need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist, Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home, and killed Americans."

This, ladies and gentlemen is ILLEGAL! You do NOT, as a politician, call people's homes and defame your opponent, that is truly illegal campaign practices.

I sincerely hope that these states (Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota and others) take action against McCain. After all, he just said in last night's debate that he has repudiated every attack made by a Republican against Obama. Yet, his own campaign are making these type of calls. Unbelievable! Yes, he gets yet another despicable award!

I had the privilege of seeing Janet Jackson on September 25, 2008 in Chicago, IL. This was before the illness, which we now know was migraine-induced vertigo. This was before all of the cancelled shows. In fact, the night could not have been more perfect. Outside of the fact, that we waited in a car line to get into the parking lot of Allstate Arena that trailed all the way onto I-90, the night was great.

Now let me say, I purchased my V.I.P. ticket months ago. In fact, it was a part of my annual tax return gift to myself. Although this year, the ticket was slightly more than my tax return. I even wondered afterward if the $250 I spent to sit in the gold section was worth it. IT WAS SOOOOOOO WORTH IT! We were so close we could actually touch her. Now, I can't imagine going to a concert and sitting up in the bleachers or nose bleeds. I have to tell you, it is not the same thing.

First up was L.L. Cool J.

LL was decent, not great, but definitely good. The strongest part of his set was in the middle, when he went into a steady stream of his hits. With lots of shots of his guns and plenty of lip-licking for us ladies. Yet, it was how he ended his set that kind of had me scratching my head. He ended it with a song that I imagine might serve as the outro on his new album. He started rapping, and walked off-stage still talking with everyone thinking he would come back out, but he didn't - to be honest it was kind of weird.

So, the cous-de-gras was Ms. Nasty. For a woman who claims to be 42, she looks freakin fantastic! She has the smallest waist I have ever seen on a woman, and in stark contrast one of the biggest booties for a waist that size. As soon as she came out, there were comments flying all over place. One woman sitting begind me said, "I want her ass so bad." Now I do realize that comment is a bit double-sided. Anywho, Janet unveiled every popular song from all of her albums, even the first two that nobody counts. This woman moved about the stage and danced for 2 1/2 hours. I was in awe of her. She was humble and graceful, and truly an icon!

One day after the final presidential debate, we have a star folks! Nope, this time it wasn't Barack Obama and consequently, it was not John McCain. Nope, it was Joe-the Plumber!

John McCain unleashed a litany of charges against Barack Obama's tax plan by saying that his plan would hurt Joe-the-Plumber by raising taxes on those who make more than $250K, and that if Joe bought his plumbing business, he would be penalized for being successful.

He brought up Joe-the-Plumber so much that I began to wonder if Joe was a part of his campaign. In fact, maybe he decided that Joe-the-Plumber should be his running mate instead of Sarah-the-Hockey-Mom! It was this constant bringing up of the plumber that gave him one of his worst moments of the night. Take a look!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Ole Johnny Boy looked like he had pooped his pants when Barack said Joe's fine would be zero.

But that was yesterday, with technology forcing media and its counterparts to run 24/7, the researchers were relentless. Turns out Joe Wurzelbacher, who is better known as "Joe-the-Plumber," really ISN'T A PLUMBER! Yep, you read that right. Members of the National Plumbers Union checked him out on their site, which lists all registered and licensed plumbers in each state and good ole Joe wasn't listed. Turns out he is some regular guy, who may or may not work in the plumbing business who makes around $40K a year and who many believe was a pawn by the McCain campaign.

Video shows that he was in the neighborhood playing football with his son while Barack Obama was with local volunteers canvassing the neighborhood for votes. May I also note that he has never met McCain and it is very likely he never will. Afterall, Republicans don't usually go to regular middle-class areas canvassing for votes. Whatever the real case is of he and Obama's meeting, one thing is clear, Joe is most definitely not a plumber. If he wanted to buy a plumbing business, he may want to get licensed first, you know because it's a requirement. Nope, Joe is sitting at home with a six-pack trying to figure out how he wound up being the center of attention in the most historic presidential campaign ever. I believe he is also a member of the reverse-Anderson affect. It is my belief this self-prescribed northern non-Yankee will tell all of his buddies he's voting for McCain, I mean after all, McCain won't raise his taxes (yeah right). But I think Joe-Six-Pack will go into that voting booth, realizing that in order for him and the rest of his middle-class buddies to keep buying those six-packs, he may need to vote for the black guy.

Okay, so on my previous post, I posted the two new singles that Beyonce dropped on Friday. I was not a huge fan of both songs, but felt they were solid. Then yesterday, Beyonce had the nerve, I mean the absolute audacity to drop both videos on the same day. And just like that, I was sucked in. Both videos are HOT!!! Not to mention, the videos make you LOVE the songs. DAMMIT BEYONCE!

She is one of those people, as soon as you think, maybe she fell off, or needs to go on a two-year hiatus, she comes at you with something so good, you are surfing the net at work to check it out.

SINGLE LADIES

This was the song that I liked the least when I first heard it. I thought it sounded like a bootleg "Get Me Bodied". Then I saw the video, and even in its simplicity, it was fierce! First, let me say, her body is sick! I want to be in "Beyonce shape," because clearly, she has her own anatomy. The black and white was fitting, the dancers were killing it, and they were attractive and very complimentary. But, I think what floored me, was the video had my attention, from the first synth to the very end when she laughs.

IF I WERE A BOY

Now, I did like this song when I heard it, however, I thought it was more feel-good pop than she normally does. The video, however, takes this song to a whole new level. It is, shall I say, DEEP! The message is clear and unlike, Ciara's "Like a Boy," it is not simply a change of wardrobe. Beyonce gutter punches men with this song, but not in a hateful way, but in a vulnerable, this is my side, kind of way. I will predict now, that this song will be a HUGE hit. Even bigger than Irreplaceable! What I love about it is just like "Single Ladies," she has the black and white theme. Yet, in this video she is very stripped down, not too much makeup, no lace front wigs or weave, and she looks great.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

I was perusing Huffington Post this evening when I came across the most disturbing story thus far in this election.

At a Palin rally on Saturday, a supporter, an older white male showed up with a monkey doll in his hand that wore an Obama bumper sticker around its head. He looked into a camera, laughing and waving the monkey as he stood in line to get into the rally. Even amidst, Obama supporters across the street, who began to shout, "Racist," he still raised the monkey and laughed.

I knew that race would eventually become an issue in this race, but it is still jarring to see it so blatantly today. Even in 2008, people still have the nerve to walk around carrying unrepentant notions of hate, and in this election, some have proudly exploited it.

I think what is even more despicable is the fact that the other people in the lines are smiling as if amused, and not one person said anything to him or even tried to stop it! God help us!

Friday, October 10, 2008

This is a true example of what America needs. While we have watched hate and racism take over the McCain campaign, Barack Obama is releasing behind the scenes footage of him and his family in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

The scene where he is watching Michelle speak about him and their family and he is rubbing his wedding ring and you can tell it hits him emotionally - I almost couldn't take it.

Then when they showed him and Biden at the end messing up the PSA, and then of course laughing about it, I found myself smiling and laughing with them. This is what America needs, if you want to call it change that's fine. I call it - Real People!

According to the Associated Press, Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin has been found by an Alaskan bi-partisan Legislative Council to have unlawfully abused her power as governor. From months of investigating, they found that while she didn't break any laws per se, she did abuse her power by trying to fire her former brother-in-law as state trooper.

"Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report to a bipartisan panel that looked into the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain."

Public safety commissioner Walter Monegan was fired and he immediately stated that he felt he was fired because he refused to fire Trooper Wooten when he was in the middle of a bitter divorce battle with Palin's sister. Yesterday, preempting the Council's report, the McCain campaign issued a statement stating that Monegan was fired due to a budget dispute. Apparently he was insubordinate.

After the report was released this evening, Monegan said that he felt vindicated regarding his firing. Immediately, the McCain campaign tied this investigation to the Obama campaign. However the committee chairperson, Sen. Kim Elton, said that is impossible since the investigation began prior to Palin accepting her party's nomination.

The most scathing part of the investigation is the fact that her husband, Todd Palin spoke privately with Monegan in her office shortly after she became governor about Trooper Wooten. He also made several phone calls to members of the staff regarding his personal feelings about Wooten, not to mention constantly putting out information that Wooten had threatened their family. Even if this were true, he has NO position. He is not a part of Palin's administration, he is the "first dude". This means that he overstepped his boundaries and compromised his wife's job as governor.

This news has definitely given a hit to an already spiraling campaign. Now mainstream media is wondering where this is going to go. Will Monegan now sue Palin for firing him? He was a "classified" employee, and he was union, which meant he wasn't at-will, thus his firing was unusual. We don't know, but one thing for sure, the Straightalk Express has lost yet another wheel!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

I have to be honest, I wasn't wowed by either track. "If I Were A Boy," is a pop ballad. It has that Irreplaceable feel to it. I imagine, she will blow this live, but I am not sure how urban radio friendly this song will be. "Single Ladies," sounds a lot like Get Me Bodied, but a little more futuristic. It will have to grow on me, but both songs are solid. I guess I am waiting on that "oh yes this is it" track. Haven't heard it yet.

Needless to say, media blogs have had a field day with these singles leaking on the day that Michelle Williams' album came out. Don't know if there is some correlation there, but it makes sense. Her album does come out next month.

This is why she is going to be the next First Lady! I love her, she is so classy and gracious. She makes not only black women, but women look good. Not to mention, I love her and Barack's relationship.

I thought she was nice, above the pettiness and honest. She clearly is NOT an angry black woman. Go Michelle!

She has become a stool pigeon for the RNC and the right-wing! Everyday, she finds some other way to bash Barack Obama and it has gotten to the point of ridiculum.

I was surprised that Sherri Shephard snapped because she seems a bit conservative at times and often seems to side with Elizabeth. But I guess now her far-right ideals have gone too far. She sounds like a close-minded, bigoted self-righteous pawn!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

So like me, I am sure many Americans, not to mention all those from all over the world who were tuned in, caught the second presidential debate last night. There are so many things that I could say, but I will provide the highlights (and lowlights) of the debate.

Question: "Who would you pick for Treasury Secretary in your administration?"Answer - McCain: "Not you Tom!"

Question: "What do you propose to help climate change, the environment, etc.?"Answer - McCain: "...What's the best way to fix it? Nuclear power. Senator Obama says it has to be safe or disposable or something like that...look I was on navy ships that had nuclear power plants."Answer - Obama - "The big problem in energy is that for 30 years, politicians in Washington, haven't done anything. What Senator McCain hasn't said is that he's been there for 26 of them, and during that time he voted 23 times against alternative fuels."

On energy:McCain: "There was a Senate Bill on energy loaded down with goodies, billions of goodies for the oil companies. It was sponsored by Bush and Cheney. You know who voted for it? You might never know - THAT ONE!"

Oliver Clark (Brotha in the audience) Asks How the bailout package is going to help regular people out.McCain: "I bet you never heard of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before this crisis."

Question: "What are your priorities and in what order regarding healthcare, energy and entitlement reform (social security and Medicare)McCain: "I think you can work on all three at once."Obama: "We're going to have to prioritize, because families have to prioritize. 1) Energy we have to deal with today because here in TN, you are paying $3.8o here in Nashville for gas...countries like Russia, Venezuala are benefitting from it....2) Healthcare - because it is bad not only for families but making businesses less competitive. 3) Education, so that our young people are competitive in a global economy."

Question: "How will the economy affect the military might?"Obama: "You know Senator McCain said it in the last debate and againt tonight that I don't understand. It's true, there are some things I don't understand. I don't understand how we ended up invading a country that had nothing to do with 09/11. While Osama Bin Laden and the Al Quaeda are setting up base camps to train terrorists to attack us...He suggested when we invaded Iraq that it would be quick and easy, that was the wrong judgment. And it's been costly to us."

Question: "In two years, how will you address the problems with social security, medicare and tax plans?"Obama: "We'll have to take on entitlement and do it quickly. Might not be able to do it in 2 years, but at least during the first term of my presidency. Can't fix Social Security and Medicare until we fix the problems with the tax policies. Senator McCain, I think the Straighttalk Express lost a wheel on that one."

The QUOTE OF THE NIGHT!Question: "Would you cross Pakistan's borders if they chose to side with Iran or were hiding bin Laden?"McCain: "Like the great Teddy Roosevelt would say, talk softly but carry a big stick. Use force on Pakistan, but talk softly." Obama: "No one called for the invasion of Pakistan. However, if they were unable and unwilling to give up Bin Laden if he is within their sights, then we will. Now Senator McCain suggests that somehow I'm just green behind the ears and spouting off and he's somber and responsible." McCain: "Thank you very much." Obama: "Senator McCain, this is the guy who sang, 'Bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran!' Who called for the annihilation of North Korea! That I don't think is an example of speaking softly. We hadn't even finished Afghanistan and he said, 'Next up - Baghdad'!"

This was the highlight of the debate for me because Obama stuck it to him. For someone who was supposed to be so strong in a town hall setting and on foreign policy, McCain clearly fell short.

So today, I come across videos for two songs that I believe will slowly but surely change the face of hip hop. I don't think that it is a coincidence that both artists come out of Chicago and I further don't think it is a coincidence that they are both affiliated with one another.

First off the cuff is Mr. West, Mr. West! He's been kind of quiet lately. He surprised fans with his decision to perform "Love Lockdown" at the VMA's even before the song got radio play. I liked it then, I love it now. The video is a bit awkward, but then it does fit the mood and the lyrics of the song. Check it out.

But another pleasant surprise was "Universal Mind Control," by Common. Coming off probably one of the best years he has ever had in both music and film, not to mention cuffing Serena Williams as his girlfriend. Common, drops this Pharrell-produced futuristic-yet-old-school inspired hip hop track that you immediately want to shake your groove thang to. It's different, yet somehow familiar. I love it, it proves why these two are trendsetters in hip hop.

These are my two vids for the day, but with a few eagerly anticipated records coming out this winter, I am sure there will be much more hot music in '08!

CLOUD!

About Me

These are just thoughts, stories and moments that have affected my life enough for me to put them in this blog. I'm altruistic, a perfectionist, a lover of life and sometimes neurotic, but I'm usually honest and a bit sarcastic!